HPE
HPE 5406R zl2 Switch
Best modular switch for growing enterprise and branch office network infrastructures.
The HPE 5406R zl2 Switch is a next-generation modular platform designed for demanding enterprise edge, SMB, and branch office core networks. It offers enterprise-class resiliency with features like power supply redundancy and hitless failover to minimize downtime. This switch supports advanced networking, including comprehensive Layer 3 routing, robust QoS, and strong security measures. Its modular design provides excellent flexibility and scalability for growing network needs, and it is SDN ready with OpenFlow support for future-proofing. A Lifetime Limited Warranty ensures peace of mind.
$2731.54
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
310
/ 2256
#310 in Hubs & Switches
Price vs Category Average
-58%
Below average
Manufacturer
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
/ Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Who it's for
- Network architects needing flexible, long-term infrastructure growth
- IT managers overseeing mission-critical, zero-downtime environments
- Engineers building modern, software-defined network architectures
Who should skip it
- Small businesses with limited capital expenditure budgets
- Generalist IT teams lacking specialized networking certifications
- Facilities with constrained rack space or limited power capacity
Performance breakdown
Network Scalability
Six modular slots allow for significant expansion as your business grows.
System Resiliency
Redundant power and hitless failover keep critical network traffic moving constantly.
Routing Capability
Full Layer 3 support handles complex enterprise traffic routing with ease.
Future Readiness
OpenFlow support ensures the hardware remains relevant in software-defined network environments.
Management Versatility
Flexible interface options cater to both command-line experts and web-based administrators.
Build Quality
Rugged rackmount chassis designed for long-term reliability in demanding server rooms.
Key Specs
Manufacturer
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Model Number
J9821A
Layer Supported
3
Standard Memory
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
Flash Memory
16 MB
Dimensions (W x D x H)
17.5 in x 17.8 in x 6.9 in
Weight
Approximately 24.50 lbs
Supported IEEE Standards
802.1Q, 802.1w
Features
- Modular design with 6 expansion slots
- Enterprise-class resiliency features
- Full Layer 3 routing capabilities
- SDN ready with OpenFlow
- Manageable via CLI, Web UI, and Telnet
- Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Includes sFlow for diagnostics
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
What customers say
Users overwhelmingly value the HPE 5406R zl2 Switch for its exceptional reliability and robust build quality, making it a cornerstone for demanding enterprise networks. The ProVision operating system is praised for being powerful yet intuitive for administrators. A key advantage is the modular design, which provides significant flexibility to scale port density with 10GbE and 40GbE options, future-proofing infrastructure investments. While the initial cost is high, the superior performance, low latency, and lifetime warranty deliver excellent long-term value. Despite typical enterprise hardware noise, this switch is viewed as a dependable, high-performance workhorse essential for mission-critical applications where stability is paramount.
Know before you buy
This switch is designed for enterprise edge deployments, branch office cores, and SMB networks that require high availability. Its modular architecture makes it a strong choice for growing businesses that need to scale their port density over time.
No, the HPE 5406R zl2 (model J9821A) does not provide Power over Ethernet capabilities. You will need to use separate injectors or a different switch model if you need to power devices like IP phones or wireless access points directly through the network cable.
The switch features six expansion slots, allowing you to customize your port configuration based on your specific connectivity needs. This modularity provides flexibility to add or upgrade modules without needing to replace the entire chassis as your network demands evolve.
Yes, it supports full Layer 3 routing, which allows it to manage complex traffic routing between different network segments. This makes it a capable core or distribution switch for environments that require more than basic Layer 2 switching.
You can manage the switch through a Command Line Interface (CLI), a Web UI, or Telnet. This variety allows network administrators to choose the method that best fits their existing workflow and technical preferences.
Yes, the switch is SDN-ready and includes support for OpenFlow. This ensures that your hardware remains compatible with modern, programmable network architectures as your infrastructure transitions toward SDN.
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$2732